American Airlines to implode old headquarters buildings on Friday

Looking back in time at the old American Airlines headquarters

American Airlines CEO Doug Parker finds his 1980s cubicle at the old headquarters building in Fort Worth. The building will be demolished next year as the airline builds its new headquarters there. (Dec. 17, 2015) Video by Andrea Ahles.

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American Airlines CEO Doug Parker finds his 1980s cubicle at the old headquarters building in Fort Worth. The building will be demolished next year as the airline builds its new headquarters there. (Dec. 17, 2015) Video by Andrea Ahles.

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With 100 pounds of dynamite and 300 pounds of shaped charges, a former American Airlines headquarters complex will come down in about 30 seconds.

Six buildings totaling 331,000 square feet have been prepared for implosion by Dallas Demolition.

American first used the buildings as its headquarters in 1983 and then moved across Texas 360 into its existing headquarters complex on Amon Carter Boulevard in 1990. Its Sabre division was housed in the old facility until it was spun off and moved to Southlake.

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“The buildings now are all stripped out,” said Dallas Demolition President Anthony Lohden. “We need to get enough movement and get it to fall ... Once it gets moving, it falls apart and comes down kind of like Lincoln Logs or Jenga.”

Lohden said it took about two-and-a-half months to prepare the buildings for the implosion.

First, the company had to remove hazardous materials, such as asbestos or refrigerants, and then all of the non-load bearing walls, including drywall and wood partitions. The six buildings range from three to five stories and are connected by skywalks that are also being demolished.

Once the hazardous materials were removed, Dallas Demolition crews cut beams and walls to weaken the structure. The final step is strategically placing the shaped charges and dynamite in the structure — the explosives used to cause the implosion.

300 pounds of shaped charges being used for implosion

Lohden said his crews have also taken measures to protect numerous trees and a creek on the site. It has also protected an old cafeteria building, which will remain standing. American plans to use it for electrical connections and utilities needed during construction.

“One of the main reasons we’re imploding this building is because of the elevation of the project,” Lohden said, noting that the site has a 40-foot difference in elevation. “It makes it really difficult for a crane or track equipment to get in there, so the best method possible was an implosion, for safety and for time.”

30 seconds to take down six buildings

American has invited employees to a watch party on the top floor of its parking garage on Amon Carter Boulevard. It is also holding a drawing that day; two employees will help Chief Executive Officer Doug Parker flip the switch that triggers the implosion.

The company is asking employees to donate $10 to enter the drawing. Donations will benefit the American Airlines Family Fund.